NEW YORK – With Yangel Herrera sidelined, New York City FC had to switch things up more than usual. While The Pigeons were far from perfect on Saturday, they remain perfect at home after a 3-0 win over Orlando City.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi’s brace was more than enough for NYCFC, who struggled to gain control of the midfield despite Patrick Vieira reusing the 3–4–1–2 formation. A switch to the 4–3–3 in the second half proved vital as City were able to commit more numbers forward and match Orlando’s physicality in midfield. Maxi Moralez’ late goal was the icing on the cake of City’s sixth straight win at home.

To make up for Herrera’s absence, Vieira used the same midfield as he did against the Houston Dynamo with Thomas McNamara next to Ebenezer Ofori with Alex Ring playing as center back. Ofori and McNamara were outmuscled and the midfield was outnumbered. Orlando City was able to work through them and keep the play in the NYCFC end of the...